Illegal migrants behind most crimes in Nigeria, says NIS

Illegal immigrants are behind most criminal activities in the country, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has said.

Kwara State Comptroller of NIS, Aminu Shamsuddin, made the statement, yesterday, while addressing journalists in Ilorin, during the 60th anniversary of the Service.

The comptroller noted that the country was surrounded by francophone countries, whose nationals desperately love to stay in Nigeria due to socio-economic hardship in their countries.

He added that NIS had to take extra measures to scrutinise every immigrant at entry point.

“These people think Nigeria is a paradise and, truly, we are the mother of Africa. They always struggle to be part of us and are ready to spend huge sums of money to obtain a Nigerian passport. They also get married to Nigerians in their bid to naturalise, which is why we painstakingly check every immigrant.

“Through our training, we can easily ascertain if someone is a Nigerian or not,” he said.

Shamsuddin explained that processes of scrutiny sometimes make issuance of international passports take some time, and enjoined Nigerians to show understanding and patience.

According to him, NIS is closer to the people than other paramilitary agencies, due to services it renders to the people.

Shamsuddin said the Ag. CG of NIS, Mrs. Caroline Adepoju, directed the 36 states to celebrate the diamond jubilee.

At the event, he rewarded the best officers in the state. Israel Alabi won the 2023 Best Parade Officer and Abdulrafiu Lukman got the Best Parade Commander of the Year. The Best Performing Officer went to Isah Mohammed, while Rasak Aliyu won the most Resourceful Officer of the Year. Provost of the Year went to AbdulBashir AbdulWahab.